Hold you tea cups and scones as Julie Andrews- Uncut introduces you to the fascinating history of one of the last icons from the golden age of Hollywood.
Julie Andrews – composed, elegant, well-spoken… a typical English lady? A lady, yes, but not born of noble blood. Julie Andrews is a self-made woman. Her life in reality it was pretty seedy. She spent her childhood performing on the Vaudeville circuit, singing and dancing, two shows a day, six days a week, alongside Pops and Barbara Andrews. Julie had a difficult childhood but no matter the hard knocks the hard knocks her talent could not be dimmed.
Vaudeville was her training ground, Broadway made her, Hollywood immortalised her – Dame Julie Andrews!
If you’re a fan of Dame Julie Andrews – or even if you aren’t, you will thoroughly enjoy what is a great performance. It is a beautiful, honest and sincere tribute to Julie Andrews with the songs for which she is so famous, and also revealing a fascinating history of her life. All in all, the show is 60 minutes of a splendid tribute. (Review by Caroline Smart)
PRODUCTION CREDITS
Starring: Alison Hillstead
Musical Director/pianist: Nathan Johannisen
Written/directed: Amanda Bothma
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Amanda Bothma work has entertained East London audiences at the since her first break- through production of Bobaas in die Boendoe at the Guild Theatre in 1990 . Amanda Bothma received her Bachelor’s degree in Drama and Acting from the University of the Free State. In fall 2017 she enrolled at The Eugene O’Niell Theatre institute in Connecticut then in n 2021 she trained in the Chekov method under Mara Laduvic co-founder of the Michael Chekov Actors Studio Boston. Since then critically acclaimed work continued to follow, earning her a list of award winning productions including: A Star is Born – the rise and fall of Judy Garland, NEXT!!!, Damsel in Distress, The Story of
Eva Cassidy and Vincent – his quest to love and be loved.
Nathan Johannisen graduated with a Bachelor of Music Degree at Stellenbosch University. His main instrument is piano, under the tutelage of Mr. Luis Magalhães, He also specialised in Music Education and is currently employed full-time at Merrifield Preparatory School and College in East London. Nathan was the musical director on several Wela Kapela production including Cinderella, Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat and Once on this Island.
Alison Hillstead was only 11 years old when her angelic voice landed her a part in Sound of Music. She has developed into a multi-faceted performer who is comfortable both on stage and in front of the camera. Performing in America, London and South Africa, Alison has featured as the ugly Step Mother in Cinderella, Potiphar wife in Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dream Coat and Papa Ge the demon of Death in Once on this Island. This award-winning cabaret artist is no stranger to the stage.
